Hurricane Matthew Forces Additional Itinerary Changes – Dream 10/7 Cruise Canceled

Disney Cruise Line announced additional itinerary changes for the upcoming sailings of the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic. The Disney Magic will sail a Canadian itinerary, while the Disney Dream’s current cruise will be extended a day with a stop in Costa Maya on Thursday. As a result of the sailing extensions, the October 7th voyage is canceled.

The Disney Magic’s new 8-Night Canadian Cruise features stops in Sydney, an overnight in Halifax, Saint John and three sea days.
Map Magic 8 Night Canadian Coast New York

The following is a letter guests are receiving as they arrive at the New York terminal on October 7th.DCL PAX Letter Magic 20161007

The official statement as of 10/5/16 4:30 PM ET from DCL is as follows:

Based on the projected path of Hurricane Matthew, as well as its expected impact on the Bahamas, Disney Cruise Line is making the following adjustments to itineraries:

Disney Dream

  • The October 3 sailing of the Disney Dream is being extended by one day, as Port Canaveral will not be available for the ship’s scheduled arrival on Friday, October 7. We are now planning to disembark in Port Canaveral on Saturday, October 8, once the Coast Guard has determined that the port is safe for cruise ship operations. We are working with the guests onboard to assist them with their travel arrangements.
  • The October 7 sailing of the Disney Dream from Port Canaveral is being cancelled. Refunds will automatically be processed back to the original form of payment used for cruise bookings. Guests are invited to call us at 1-866-325-3905 or 407-566-7032 beginning Monday, Oct. 10, to book a future cruise at a discount.

Disney Magic

  • The October 7 sailing of the Disney Magic from New York is being changed to a Canadian itinerary, with plans to visit Sydney, Nova Scotia; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Saint John, New Brunswick. Guests who remain on this revised itinerary will receive an onboard credit. Guests who would like to rebook a future sailing at a discount OR cancel their sailing for a full refund are invited to call us at 1-866-325-3905 or 407-566-7032.

Disney Fantasy

  • The October 8 Disney Fantasy sailing from Port Canaveral to the eastern Caribbean is expected to sail as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the weather and make any necessary adjustments.

While we always strive to deliver magical cruise vacations, nothing is more important to us than providing a safe experience for our guests and crew. We will continue to closely monitor Hurricane Matthew and provide updates as necessary.

In addition to the full refund, we are hearing guests booked on the Disney Dream’s canceled 10/7 cruise are receiving a 20% off a future cruise between now and the end of 2017.

For passengers booked on the Disney Magic, DCL is offering a $100 per person state room credit or for those that choose to rebook,  they will get 20% off a future cruise prior to the end of 2017

For more on Hurricane Matthew click over to our Tropical Weather Center.

89 Replies to “Hurricane Matthew Forces Additional Itinerary Changes – Dream 10/7 Cruise Canceled”

    1. Amy

      They had the Dream come in on Saturday night to unload and then pulled it out and off to the side and then the Fantasy (which I was on) came in Sunday morning. It was actually really cool to be able to see the Dream as we went past and they had a horn battle as well! It was a once in a life time opportunity for sure!

      Reply
  1. Annie McNally

    They had both the dream and wonder at the same time before the wonder went into dry dock the wonder docked at the carnival terminal while the dream was at the Disney terminal due to disembark and embarking so the Fantasy can be at the Disney Terminal while the dream can be at the carnival terminal

    Reply
  2. Jeremy Jordan

    Has anyone got through to the DCL yet? I’m curious what the onboard credit is, and what the rebooking discount is.

    Reply
    1. SUZANNE FLYNN

      We rebooked out Oct 7 cruise from NY for the following week, and received 20% off. Took awhile to get through but it’s worth it

      Reply
  3. Lisa

    Castaway Cay appears to be in the direct path of the hurricane. What if it is flattened? In addition to flattening structures and trees, the surge could change the structure of the island and it’s beaches. It could take months to repair if devastated. Anyone else worried about this?

    Reply
  4. Russell

    Is the scheduled time of departure of the 10/8 Fantasy sailing really accurate? We are on that sailing and now have a cancelled flight into Orlando Friday evening. Working to reschedule flights, but if the Fantasy is going to realistically be delayed on Saturday, it would be nice to know as that might open up additional flights for us to consider. I can only assume that she is creeping up behind the hurricane, so her arrival at the Port is dependent on the speed of the hurricane, and the Coast Guard’s assessment of soundness of the Port post Matthew.

    Reply
    1. Jenifer

      When I was on the Disney Fantasy last year during Hurricane Joaquin we came into port about 2-3 hours late and the next cruise left in the evening. DCL altered our itinerary and we missed Castaway Cay. Disney didn’t provide anything for the inconvenience. It would would have been nice if they could have discounted a future cruise or gave an on-board credit during a future cruise.

      Reply
        1. Jonathan

          I understand that you are upset that you didn’t get compensation but you did get more then you paid for. You are getting a longer cruise and went to the same amount of ports then you would’ve if you would’ve gone on your original itinerary. The itinerary is always subject to change no matter what the cruise is.

          Reply
          1. Jenifer

            We didn’t get a longer cruise on the Fantasy sailing last year. We were in Hurricane Cat 1-2 winds on the cruise ship. Many people were so sick. Disney should have delayed our cruise in the Eastern Caribbean like they are doing currently with the Dream and Fantasy in the Western Caribbean. I feel Disney was trying to stay on schedule so they didn’t have to cancel or shorten the next cruise. There was damage to the ship and the short time they were at Port Canaveral wasn’t enough time to fix everything. I don’t feel they had safety of the passengers as their #1 priority.

            Reply
    2. Eric

      I think you are correct about the Coast Guard making the call; hopefully they will make it as soon it passes…..maybe Friday evening?
      My families is on the Fantasy now. They are being told that a decision will be made in the next couple hours on where and when they will be making port. Not sure on what they are basing that decision…?

      I have been on the phone with guest services and they are being told by management, that the arrival and departure of the Fantasy is on schedule.

      Reply
    3. J

      My husband is currently on the fantasy and they have told him they will not return to port until at least Sunday so the 10/8 cruise should not sail as planned… Unless a miracle occurs. I’m hoping for that!

      Reply
    1. Susan

      I am sad not to be going with you. 😥. But no way am I flying from Canada to take a cruise back to Canada. We are heartbroken, having booked this cruise a year and a half ago but we have decided to rebook. Just spent last three hours cancelling hotel room, flights, shuttles, etc. Lost money on a very expensive NYC hotel room. Have fun. I’ll be with you in spirit.

      Reply
    2. Lisa

      No, it’s not tropical weather here on the east coast of Canada but I assure you, snowsuits will not be needed. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Mindy

    I cannot imagine leaving on Saturday. I live in Florida and it’s going to be complete chaos and devastation on the eat coast…especially the Port Canaveral area. The fact that they are not letting me cancel is ridiculous and disappointing. Shame on Disney.

    Reply
    1. Heather

      I just wish they would let us know realistic expectations…such as saying, if the port is closed on Saturday we will do X, but if the port is open we will do Y. Not too much to ask I think.

      Reply
      1. Jonathan

        I understand the frustration but to be honest there are a lot of moving parts that they have to figure out. It isn’t as easy as everyone thinks.

        Reply
      1. Amy

        I was also on the Fantasy and I felt they were very upfront with us. They obviously couldn’t give us an exact situation being that it is weather and unpredictable. But they made announcements a few times a day explaining what they were going to do. We knew on Wednesday that we were turning around and going to go back to Mexico and that we would be docking on Sunday as long as it was safe. They also gave us complimentary phone calls to change our flights and to contact our family. Overall I feel they handled it extremely well.

        Reply
  6. Ray

    So what are the odds of the fantasy departure being cancelled? I am wondering on driving conditions to get to canaveral and then park?
    Man this sucks, hope all is safe..

    Reply
  7. Scott

    I hope so much when we get to castaway cays the last week of Nov… it is there and open but we don’t care about nassa.. I been hearing a lot of bad things going on over there. planning to stay on the ship with my g babys.

    Reply
  8. James

    On the fantasy right now. Wondering how debarkation will shake out if 2 ships are at port at the same time. Sounds like chaos. I hope fantasy gets the Disney terminal.

    I see a few storm models where the storm does a full circle. Could you imagine!

    Reply
  9. Lu-Ann

    Not sure which cruise my son took with his family, but they had to co to Cosumel instead of the Bahamas. Any updates for worried mom.

    Reply
    1. Keith

      Lu-Ann,

      Your son and his family are perfectly safe and in a great position to ride out the storm. They are sheltered from any impacts by Florida itself since they are on the gulf side and the storm is going to curl back out to the Atlantic anyway.

      In addition they got to go to Cozumel instead of Nassau which is a big plus since Nassau is the worst of Disney’s ports. And if that wasn’t good enough they are even getting an extra day for free on board the ship since they won’t be pulling back in until 8 October now instead of the planned 7 October.

      My wife and I were just discussing this over breakfast and talking about how great this worked out for everyone on the Dream right now. The only downside is they miss seeing Castaway Cay – Disney’s island is by far the best part of any Disney Cruise – but a free extra day on the ship definitely makes up for that.

      Have a great day!

      Reply
  10. Amburke

    We’re scheduled to sail on the Magic that’s now going to Canada and we’re crushed. This is supposed to be our first cruise ever and celebrating our anniversary so we had booked several of the port adventures at Bahamas and Atlantis. We stayed on hold for literally over 2 hours yesterday to be told that we’d only be offered a $100 credit per person OR we could cancel, get a full refund, and get 20% off a future trip. Sounds to me like they WANT people to cancel? I don’t understand why we wouldn’t be given a larger credit/ discount for such a major itinerary change. According to the rep, the ship is supposedly still filled to capacity so we couldn’t even get a room upgrade. We’re considering still canceling, but after planning this trip for over a year the whole thing is extremely disappointing and heart-breaking.

    Reply
    1. Susan

      It’s not filled to capacity since there are 24 in our party who cancelled. Lots of tears — and that’s just the adults. I’m Canadian but I’m not spending my trip of a lifetime cruising to Halifax and Sydney. I was so looking forward to my first cruise and first visit to Disneyworld. I understand but it is Heartbreaking for sure.

      Reply
      1. joustinghill

        It’s definitely not full. My family just cancelled and rebooked for the Oct 15th sailing so there is at least one oceanview stateroom available. I have no interest in going to Canada. If I can’t go to the Bahamas I’d rather stay home and save the money.

        Reply
    2. Keith

      Amburke,

      I imagine the ship will be pretty empty and you should be able to score a room upgrade. The surprising thing is they are giving a credit or future discount at all since they aren’t actually required to. That 20% off a future trip could easily be worth $1000+ depending on what cruise you book next so that is nothing to sneeze at though it is surprising how much more valuable that is compared to the onboard credit which will like be $300 – $400 for most people.
      Don’t be too crushed though – no matter where your cruise goes it will still be great whether you take the Magic to Canada or wait a few months and book a different cruise (personally a Western Caribbean on Fantasy is our favorite so far — especially Grand Cayman).

      Reply
    3. Harlene

      I’I scheduled for this cruise as well, for those who are willing to accept the change and go to Canada should get more than a $100 onboard credit. I’m still trying to decided if I should reschedule.

      Reply
    4. Maryann Morrison

      The itinerary change is because of a natural disaster, If were Disney’s pool he probably would be getting a larger shipboard credit.

      Reply
  11. marilyn

    The disney cruise ship that left port canaveral on october 1st and is scheduled to arrive on october 8th….does anyone know where the ship is due to the hurricane?

    Reply
    1. Scott Sanders Post author

      The Disney Fantasy sailed west after leaving Jamaica on Wednesday. This means she is sailing around Cuba north into the the Gulf of Mexico and will eventually head towards south Florida behind the hurricane.

      Reply
      1. Leah

        In your opinion, do you think there are chances if Port Canaveral is still closed on Saturday they will have the ships port in Miami? We are to be on the Fantasy for the Oct. 8th sailing and trying to do our best to “guess” what Disney will do since they are not making any changes. Thank you for everything you have done to keep your followers updated! You are doing a much better job than Disney Cruise Line!!!

        Reply
        1. Scott Sanders Post author

          A report in the Orlando Sentinel had a statement from Port Canaveral’s CEO that the Dream could go to Fort Lauderdale if needed. I took this as… this is the backup plan if Port Canaveral is a no go and Ft Lauderdale is open.

          Reply
      2. SONDRA WHATLEY

        So glad to read your info on the Disney Fantasy. Have family on board and have been very concerned. Thanks for posting this info.

        Reply
    2. Willy Sipes

      You can go onto marinetraffic.com and in search enter Fantasy and it will show you where the ship is. I have a son and daughter-in-law on that ship so we have been watching closely also.

      Reply
  12. Kelsey

    I know this sucks, but I’m proud of Disney for making these cautionary moves. I was on the Disney Fantasy during Hurricane Sandy and it was miserable, scary and damaging to the ship. When I spoke to crew who had also been on that cruise a year later, the facade of magic left their faces… they had been scared, too. I appreciate the abundance of caution and gives me new confidence in booking a cruise during hurricane season as I previously vowed “never again!”.

    Reply
    1. Amy

      They haven’t made any cautionary moves for people supposed to leave PC on 10/8 on the Fantasy. Can’t believe that even if the weather is good on Saturday that they think people will be able to get there with millions of Floridians trying to get back to their homes, no gas at gas stations and no power to even work gas pumps. They need to cancel or postpone this sailing until Monday – at least!!!!

      Reply
  13. Carol

    If the port is opened and the Fantasy sails as planned….The Disney Fantasy will go to the regular terminal. Guest will disembark and embark at the Disney Cruise line terminal. The Disney Dream will likely use one of the back up terminal further down the channel. They have had to use this terminal a few times when they unexpectedly had two ships in port.

    Reply
  14. Mary Large

    I am very disappointed that Disney hasn’t cancelled the Oct. 8th on the Disney Fantasy cruise. The safety of those trying to get there.

    Reply
  15. Jeff

    With family members currently on the Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line’s plan to bring them back to Port Canaveral on Saturday is foolish! Current Hurricane Matthew forecasts on Friday predict that there will be NO POWER up & down the entire East Coast, storm surge flooding of 7-10 feet, rainfall of one-foot or more, wave heights of 20-40 feet, ALL workers & residents under MANDATORY evacuation, winds up to 145mph, & the possibility of the storm to circle back to Miami for round two. Hurricane Matthew has the potential of leaving Port Canaveral & the surrounding area completely devastated & in “survival” mode on Saturday & the weeks ahead. The decision makers at Disney Cruise Line are living in a “Dream World” when it comes to handling this emergency!

    Reply
      1. Jeff

        max-The question is, why would DCL plan on returning to PC on Saturday when it does not line up with the predicted destruction of this storm? Do they really think that the resources & surrounding area of PC will be adequate for an arrival/departure on Saturday, October 8? If the storm hits as predicted, it will be long after Saturday, October 8, that anyone will be operating out of PC.

        Reply
      2. Donna

        I am anxious to know that, as well. Our daughter & her family are on the Dream. We pray that they can safely dock, that their car which is parked at the port has no damage, and that they will be able to make the 14 hour drive home safely — all in time for them to return to work & school on Monday.

        Reply
    1. Amy Callaway Saucedo

      Since the Dream canceled it’s next sailing, they will have a couple extra days to keep the ship away from the East Coast and Canaveral, if necessary. Right now they are just planning for Saturday disembarkation, but you know that could change to Sunday or even Monday.

      Reply
  16. Jenifer

    Not to mention there could be debris on the roads with no one to clear them and the airports maybe closed. Are passengers going to be left stranded at the port?

    Reply
  17. Lisa

    Are the cars that passengers left behind at Port Canaveral going to be safe? If they take a direct hit there, could they be washed away by the storm surge (I’ve never been to the port before, so I don’t know how high about sea level the parking area is)

    Reply
    1. Tyler

      There is a parking garage for the Disney Cruise guests. I suspect the cars parked at the port will be fine, unless they’re struck by flying debris.

      Reply
  18. Elizabeth

    I am currently in concierge on the dream; we have been not been offered a discount on future bookings or stateroom credit.

    Reply
    1. EOppie

      You are getting a free additional cruise day, as well as an additional port of call…free of charge…for all guests…even those not in concierge 🙂 There is an impending storm and they are making decisions to ensure your safety as well as those of the crew and other guests.

      Reply
      1. Elizabeth

        I went to Cozumel last year so not getting off the ship. Other cruise line companies are offering some form of compensation and DCL are doing it for the Magic and Fantasy that’s why I commented. The service during the 2 extra days was sub-par.

        Reply
        1. Deta

          I’m really surprised that you thought the service as sub-par. I was on-board and honestly thought it was amazing for all of the days. I loved that they put a show together for us the “floating hotel” night (Saturday) night. We had a great time Saturday night with our waiters since the dining room was half empty. They brought us special things. Our head waiter did magic tricks for my girls (Kemal, from Turkey) They kept the Aquaduck open late so we rode it with no waiting. And kept the pool open as long as they could. (There was a problem with bugs getting into the filter (Florida!), and they had to close it before 10 pm.)

          I was disappointed by not visiting CC, but I have heard many stories over the years of thunderstorms keeping ships from docking there, so I was prepared to possibly miss it.

          Reply
  19. Julie

    In regards to the 7 night cruises since they sail every Saturday, would they ever change the sailing date to leave on another day?

    I’m set to sail on 10/15 on the Fantasy and I guess I’m just wondering about possible effects to my sailing in case the 10/8 one is not canceled but rather pushed back etc. Or do you think they would just reduce the amount of days of the previous sailing to not continue to cause schedule havoc?

    Thanks for any insight.

    Reply
    1. Rod

      I’m supposed to be on the same 7 night Western Carribean cruise that is scheduled to depart on 10/15. Here’s the latest update regarding the cruise before (10/8):

      Tropical Weather Update

      October 6, 2016 – 3:00 p.m.
      **Please note the Disney Cruise Line Contact Center is currently closed due to the anticipated weather conditions associated with Hurricane Matthew in Central Florida. We will reopen on Saturday morning, October 8.**

      Based on the projected path of Hurricane Matthew, as well as its expected impact on the Bahamas, Disney Cruise Line is making the following adjustments to itineraries:

      Disney Fantasy – UPDATED!
      •The October 8 sailing of the Disney Fantasy is being altered to a 6-night western Caribbean cruise departing on Sunday, October 9, from Port Canaveral. Guests who remain on the revised itinerary will receive a pro-rated refund equal to the amount of one-night of their cruise fare and an onboard credit. Guests who would like to rebook a future sailing at a discount OR cancel their sailing for a full refund are invited to call us at 1-866-325-3905 or 407-566-7032.

      Reply
  20. Bill K

    As of 3:00 PM today the Fantasy cruise will leave on Sunday October 9th and will only be a 6 Day cruise

    From Disney Cruise Website

    Tropical Weather Update
    October 6, 2016 – 3:00 p.m.
    **Please note the Disney Cruise Line Contact Center is currently closed due to the anticipated weather conditions associated with Hurricane Matthew in Central Florida. We will reopen on Saturday morning, October 8.**

    Based on the projected path of Hurricane Matthew, as well as its expected impact on the Bahamas, Disney Cruise Line is making the following adjustments to itineraries:

    Disney Fantasy – UPDATED!

    The October 8 sailing of the Disney Fantasy is being altered to a 6-night western Caribbean cruise departing on Sunday, October 9, from Port Canaveral. Guests who remain on the revised itinerary will receive a pro-rated refund equal to the amount of one-night of their cruise fare and an onboard credit. Guests who would like to rebook a future sailing at a discount OR cancel their sailing for a full refund are invited to call us at 1-866-325-3905 or 407-566-7032.

    Reply
  21. James

    Just in Fantasy is going to Cozumel on Friday and will spend Saturday at sea. Planning to return on Sunflday to Port Canaveral. If that doesn’t work out they will drop us at another ot in Florida and drive us north.

    Reply
  22. Jenifer

    Looks like Hurricane Matthew will be going over Castaway Cay on Wednesday 12 Oct 16; if you are on the 10/10/16 Dream sailing you may miss Castaway Cay if the island is open.

    Reply
  23. justin

    We are boarding the Dream on the 24th.. Driving from Tennessee (roughly 16 hrs).. Hoping all is well by then.

    Reply
  24. Jenifer

    We leave on the Fantasy on the 22nd… I hope there are no storms brewing in the Atlantic Ocean at that time.

    Reply
  25. Dennis C

    Hi, Scott. Some friends of ours just got off the Magic today (10/7) and they were told that as of this morning there had been over 1500 cancellations and that the ship would be sailing at just 40% capacity as it sails to Canada.

    Reply

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